debcook

2008-08-25 20:53:40

Working in a mobile office set up in a car does not sound like a good time. But, at times it is necessary. Most of my travel (although not extensive) is by automobile. I’ve talked before about working on the go and I am always looking for a better way to accomplish my tasks.

I have spent the day making decisions that require a leap of faith. I am about to trade cars with my mother-in-law (she just wants a new car). My 1998 Toyota Avalon has just less than 80,000 miles but does not have the electronic goodies available in the later models. I don’t put an extreme number of miles on a car per year so her 2002 Toyota Avalon with the electronic goodies and 127,000 miles on it seems like an OK trade. Both cares have been serviced and taken care of so the mileage is my main concern.

The gadgets that attract me most are the dashboard electronics. My 1998 Avalon tells me the outside temperature. I appreciate that feature but as starters the 2002 Avalon will tell me the outside temperature, the inside temperature, the miles per gallon on a continual basis, how many miles left till empty and a compass. Something I like as much as anything else is that there is an ordinary power outlet (115 volt) on the console. No need for a separate power adapter - there’s one built in. This may cure my problem of running out of power before my laptop can recharge while using my USB broadband card.

The Avalon has a large roomy back seat and with the addition of that electrical outlet more electronics can be used without stringing cords between the seats. Devices that operate on batteries and Bluetooth extend the possibilities.

It should not be long before I know if I am making a good trade. I am excited to update yet another set of electronic gadgets. Visit me later and I’ll tell you how well my plans have worked out.